Yerba Mate as a Protectant against Lipoproteins Oxidation.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are important factors determining cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the antioxidant mechanisms and potential protective effect of a hydroethanolic extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguaiensis; EHEM) on the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL. EHEM was found to possess ferric reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, and NO radical scavenging activity. In addition, EHEM reduced the lipoperoxidation induced by α,α'-Azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH) in HDL and LDL at all tested concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate the antioxidant properties of yerba mate and its phytochemical compounds. These properties may effectively prevent the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL molecules, a phenomenon linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Gut Microbiota Modulation by Bioactive Compounds from Ilex paraguariensis: an In Vivo Study.

Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is recognized for its biocompounds and bioactive properties. This study aimed to assess the potential of yerba-mate extract to modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. After the ethical committee approval (CEUA - UPF, number 025/2018), the Wistar rats were given a daily dose of 3.29 mg of phenolic compounds per animal for 45 days. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by ABTS and FRAP assays and the total phenolic compounds was measured at different pH levels. Identification and quantification of chlorogenic acid isomers were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intestinal microbiota modulation was evaluated by administering the yerba-mate extract or water (control) to Wistar rats via intragastric gavage and its efficiency was measured through PCR. The antioxidant capacity of the yerba-mate extract was 64.53 ± 0.26 µmol Trolox/mL (ABTS) and 52.96 ± 0.86 µmol Trolox/mL (FRAP). The total phenolic compounds showed higher levels at pH 7.5 compared to pH 2.0. Chlorogenic acid isomers were found in greater abundance, with a concentration of 14.22 g/100 g. The administration of the extract resulted in positive modulation of the intestinal microbiota, specifically for the genera Lactobacillus sp. and Prevotella sp. The increase of these genera is related to the promotion of homeostasis of the gut microbiota. Therefore, these findings indicate that yerba-mate extract possesses significant antioxidant activity and can effectively modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. These results support the potential use of yerba-mate as an alternative for controlling and preventing diseases associated with intestinal dysbiosis.

1H NMR Mixture Design-Fingerprints and ASCA Analysis in Ilex paraguariensis: Model Stability in Search of a Global Metabolome.

The effects of experimental repetitions and solvent extractors on the 1H NMR fingerprinting of yerba mate extracts, obtained from two genders and two light environments, were analyzed in-depth by ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). Different solvents were used according to a mixture design based on ethanol, dichloromethane, and hexane and their combinations. The number of experimental repetitions significantly affected the ASCA results. Increasing repetitions led to decreases in the percentage effect variance values and an increase in the percentage residual variance. However, secondary sexual dimorphism, light availability, and their interaction effects became more significant with decreasing p-values at or above the 95% confidence level. The choice of a solvent extractor significantly affects the chemical profile and can lead to distinct conclusions regarding the significance of effect values. Pure solvents yielded different conclusions about the significance of factorial design effects, with each solvent extracting unique metabolites and maximizing information for specific effects. However, the use of binary solvent mixtures, such as ethanol-dichloromethane, proved more efficient in extracting sets of compounds that simultaneously differentiate between different experimental conditions. The mixture design-fingerprint strategy provided satisfactory results expanding the range of extracted metabolites with high percentage of residual variances and low explained percentage effect variances in the ASCA models. Ternary and even higher-ordered mixtures could be good alternative extracting media for work-intensive procedures. Our study underscores the significance of experimental design and solvent selection in metabolomic analysis, improving the accuracy, robustness, and interpretability of metabolomic models, leading to a better understanding of the chemical composition and biological implications of plant extracts.

Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Supplement Exerts Beneficial, Tissue-Specific Effects on Mitochondrial Efficiency and Redox Status in Healthy Adult Mice.

Yerba maté, a herbal tea derived from Ilex paraguariensis, has previously been reported to be protective against obesity-related and other cardiometabolic disorders. Using high-resolution respirometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, the effects of four weeks of yerba maté consumption on mitochondrial efficiency and cellular redox status in skeletal muscle, adipose, and liver, tissues highly relevant to whole-body metabolism, were explored in healthy adult mice. Yerba maté treatment increased the mitochondrial oxygen consumption in adipose but not in the other examined tissues. Yerba maté increased the ATP concentration in skeletal muscle and decreased the ATP concentration in adipose. Combined with the observed changes in oxygen consumption, these data yielded a significantly higher ATP:O2, a measure of mitochondrial efficiency, in muscle and a significantly lower ATP:O2 in adipose, which was consistent with yerba maté-induced weight loss. Yerba maté treatment also altered the hepatic glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) redox potential to a more reduced redox state, suggesting the treatment's potential protective effects against oxidative stress and for the preservation of cellular function. Together, these data indicate the beneficial, tissue-specific effects of yerba maté supplementation on mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox states in healthy mice that are protective against obesity.

Analytical and chemometric strategies for elucidation of yerba mate composition.

Yerba mate, a popular plant consumed mainly as an infusion, possesses nutritional and medicinal properties attributed to its secondary metabolites. This study aimed to develop strategies to elucidate the phenolic composition of yerba mate samples from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) was performed, and the extracted compounds were characterized using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), molecular fluorescence and high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Chemometric analysis, including parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and principal component analysis (PCA) explored metabolite profiles and identify patterns. PARAFAC modelling of the molecular fluorescence results revealed higher pigment content in Brazilian samples, while other countries' samples exhibited higher phenolic content. PCA modeling of HPLC-DAD results indicated that cultivated yerba mate contained higher chlorogenic acids levels, and samples from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay exhibited higher concentrations of chlorogenic acids and flavonoids.

Binding of Iron (II) Ions by Aqueous Extractions from Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis).

We studied the ability of an aqueous extract from yerba mate and a dry extract obtained on the basis of this aqueous extract to remove Fe(II) ions from an aqueous medium. Aqueous extracts from mate dose-dependently reduced the concentration of free Fe(II) ions assayed by the reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline. This can be attributed to polyphenolic compounds with iron-chelating properties present in aqueous extracts from mate, namely quercetin, rutin, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. These substances effectively removed Fe(II) ions from the medium (the initial concentration of these ions was 15 µM) in the concentration range of 20-30 µM. Binding of Fe(II) ions by aqueous mate extracts (due to the formation of chelate complexes with the participation of polyphenolic compounds) modified their absorption spectra in the visible region. Binding of Fe(II) ions can be a mechanism of the antioxidant action of yerba mate.

Mycelium-bound chlorogenate hydrolase of Aspergillus niger AKU 3302 as a stable immobilized biocatalyst.

CHase catalyzes chlorogenic acid (CGA) hydrolysis to yield equimolar quinic (QA) and caffeic (CA) acids, products of high value and keen industrial interest. We proposed the preparation and characterization of the nonviable mycelium of Aspergillus niger AKU 3302 containing a cell-associated CHase (CHase biocatalyst) for application in hydrolyzing the CGA from yerba mate residues to produce QA and CA. When the vegetative mycelium was heated at 55 °C for 30 min, no loss of CHase activity occurred, but vegetative mycelial growth and spore germination ended. The CHase biocatalyst did not limit mass transfer above 100 strokes min-1. The reaction rate increased with catalyst loading and was kinetically controlled. The CHase biocatalyst exhibited suitable biochemical properties (optimum pH 6.5 at 50 °C) and high thermal stability (remaining stable at up to 50 °C for 8 h). The cations in yerba mate extracts did not affect CHase activity. We observed no apparent loss in the activity of the CHase biocatalyst after even 11 batch cycles of continuous use. The biocatalyst retained 85% of its initial activity after 25 days of storage at pH 6.5 and 5 °C. When a yerba mate extract was passed through a glass column packed with the biocatalyst, an effective bioconversion of CGA into CA and QA occurred. CHase activity produced a natural biocatalysis with considerable operational and storage stability; which capability, being a novel biotechnological process, can be used in the bioconversion of CGA from yerba mate residues into CA and QA at a substantially reduced cost.

Yerba mate consumption by ovariectomized rats alters white adipose tissue.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause and post-menopause are characterized by low levels of estrogen that can be associated with the emergence of metabolic diseases. While hormone replacement therapy can alleviate many symptoms, it can also exacerbate other diseases such as breast cancer. In the search for natural alternatives, Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) has been identified as a potential therapy for the onset of obesity. Here, the effect of MATE consumption on white adipose tissue (WAT) was studied in ovariectomized rats, an animal model for post-menopause hormone loss. METHODS: Four groups of animals were used: ovariectomy with MATE (OVX MATE) and without MATE (OVX), as well as sham surgery with MATE (Sham MATE) and without MATE (Sham). MATE was provided by gavage at 1 g/kg of body weight for eight weeks before measuring biochemical parameters in plasma and characterizing WAT morphology. RESULTS: The consumption of Yerba MATE significantly decreased weight gain in ovariectomized rats and presented near control levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL. A morphometric analysis of WAT showed a significant decrease in the area occupied by adipocytes in the group that consumed MATE. Finally, MATE consumption increased the UCP1 content in the WAT of the ovariectomized group. Yerba MATE treatment was also associated with higher levels of SIRT1 protein. CONCLUSION: MATE consumption has a preventive effect on the weight gain observed in ovariectomized rats and potential benefits in naturally avoiding the onset of obesity post menopause.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as a source of antioxidants with soybean grain in supplementation of lactating ewes reared in tropical pastures.

The hypothesis tested is that the association of soybean grain and yerba mate as an antioxidant source can increase the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with lower oxidation of milk from lactating ewes reared in tropical pastures. Sixteen ewes were randomly distributed in a 2x2 factorial scheme (with or without yerba mate at 110 g / kg of dry matter (DM); with or without soybean grain at 210 g/kg of DM). Yerba mate intake reduced DM intake, and concentrations of ether extract (EE), protein, lactose, defatted dry extract, density, omega-3 concentrations, and the ratio between saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids (FA), but increased the concentration of monounsaturated FA and the sequestering power of free radicals by DPPH without altering the concentrations of conjugated dienes and the concentrations of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid in milk. Supplementation with soybean grain decreased the birth weight of the lambs and increased the concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), PUFA, omega - 6, omega ratio - 6/omega - 3, and total blood cholesterol. The addition of yerba mate did not influence the oxidative profile of milk. Supplementation with soybean grain improved the FA profile of milk, increasing the concentrations of CLA and PUFA. The results suggest that the association of yerba mate and soybean grain helps to improve the fat quality of milk from ewes raised in tropical pastures, as shown by the enhanced antioxidant activity, although it does not help prevent oxidation of milk rich in PUFA.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus by Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extracts: Relation with Extract Antioxidant Capacity and Fungal Oxidative Stress Response Modulation.

Plant extracts may represent an ecofriendly alternative to chemical fungicides to limit aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of foods and feeds. Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), rosemary (Romarinus officinalis) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) are well known for their beneficial properties, which are mainly related to their richness in bioactive phenolic compounds. AFB1 production is inhibited, with varying efficiency, by acetone/water extracts from these three plants. At 0.45 µg dry matter (DM)/mL of culture medium, mate and green tea extracts were able to completely inhibit AFB1 production in Aspergillus flavus, and rosemary extract completely blocked AFB1 biosynthesis at 3.6 µg DM/mL of culture medium. The anti-AFB1 capacity of the extracts correlated strongly with their phenolic content, but, surprisingly, no such correlation was evident with their antioxidative ability, which is consistent with the ineffectiveness of these extracts against fungal catalase activity. Anti-AFB1 activity correlated more strongly with the radical scavenging capacity of the extracts. This is consistent with the modulation of SOD induced by mate and green tea in Aspergillus flavus. Finally, rutin, a phenolic compound present in the three plants tested in this work, was shown to inhibit AFB1 synthesis and may be responsible for the anti-mycotoxin effect reported herein.

Assessment of redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats treated with mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis).

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the effects of mate tea [Ilex paraguariensis] on the redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in diabetic male rats. DESIGN: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (3 months old) were randomly divided into groups (n = 8 per group): control rats that received water (C); diabetic rats that received water (D); diabetic rats treated with mate tea (DMT). The treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were given mate tea powder by intragastric gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Content of total protein, amylase, oxidative lipid damage, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), oxidative protein damage, measured as protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, uric acid, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were examined by the spectrophotometric method in the parotid and submandibular glands. RESULTS: The D group showed lower total protein, amylase, TBARs, protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the C group in both salivary glands, as well as higher SOD and CAT activities. The DMT group showed higher total protein, amylase, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the D group in both salivary glands. Moreover, mate tea increased SOD in the parotid gland and CAT in the submandibular gland of diabetic rats but did not influence TBARs and protein carbonyl in either salivary gland compared to D group. CONCLUSION: Mate tea increased tissue protein synthesis and improved antioxidant defenses in the salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Effects of an alternative bleaching method for yerba mate leaves on total phenolic content: evaluation and prediction with soft-computing approaches.

BACKGROUND: The effects of an alternative bleaching method on the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of yerba mate extracts were evaluated. Traditional bleaching ('zapeco') was compared with submerging the leaves in water followed by a hot air oven-drying process. Seven different approaches, i.e. linear model (LM), response surface model (RSM), Mamdani, Larsen, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with the product (Prod) and the minimum (Min) operators, and ANFIS with automatically membership functions (Auto), were employed to compare the TPC of yerba mate extracts based on drying temperature and AA assays. RESULTS: The results showed that if leaves were bleached followed by drying at higher temperatures, we obtained higher AA and TPC values. For submerging bleaching treatment, RSM model delivered the best accuracy measures with a mean absolute error (MAE), average absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean squared error (MSE) of 0.128, 0.006, and 0.028, respectively. The ANFIS Auto model was the best for traditional bleaching treatment, with MAE, MAPE, and MSE of 0.490, 0.013, and 0.612, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a second-order linear relation between drying temperature, AA assays to TPC, and a high level of relation complexity of drying temperature, AA assays, and TPC. The evaluated soft-computing approaches have the excellent ability to estimate TPC from bleached leaves. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Commercial yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) produced in South America: Determination of dithiocarbamate residues by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

This work presents an easy and quick miniaturized procedure for the analysis of dithiocarbamates fungicides (DTC), by GC-MS, in yerba mate, an important product in South America. The sample amount, the volume of extracting solvent and acid solution, and the time of hot bath shaking were minimized. A clean-up procedure based on PSA, GCB and MgSO4 was studied in order to improve analytical signal and reduce GC-MS system damage. Blank yerba mate samples were spiked with thiram at equivalent CS2 concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg kg-1. The validated method at least 2 times faster than the traditional method and was according to the latest European guidelines for pesticide residue analysis. Linearity, limits of detection and quantification, matrix effects, trueness and precision were assessed. Sixty-five commercialized samples from southern Brazil and Argentina were analyzed; 14% of samples presented CS2 concentration greater than LOQ (0.1 mg kg-1).

Biochemical and Molecular Investigation of the Effect of Saponins and Terpenoids Derived from Leaves of Ilex aquifolium on Lipid Metabolism of Obese Zucker Rats.

Ilex paraguariensis, the holly tree, is a plant with recognized biological properties, whose aqueous infusions are known as "Yerba mate", that regulate lipid metabolism, reduce obesity, and improve brain stimulation. In the present study, the effect of standardized saponin and terpenoid fractions of a European taxon, Ilex aquifolium, on blood biochemical parameters in a rat model of metabolic disorder, (fa/fa) Zucker, are presented. The profiles of the volatile fractions of two species and six European varieties of Ilex were investigated. After selecting the best variety, the saponin and terpenoid fractions were isolated and standardized, and animals were fed 10 mg kg−1 b.w. for 8 weeks. A statistically significant decrease in liver adiposity was observed, confirmed by histology and quantitative identification (gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analyses of hepatic lipids. RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in the aorta revealed that the administration of the terpenoid fraction downregulated LOX-1, suggesting a reduction in atherosclerotic stimuli. In addition, a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in PPARγ for the saponin fraction was observed in the liver. The expression of the ACAT-1 gene in the liver, responsible for the formation of cholesterol esters, increased significantly in the group receiving the terpenoid fraction compared to the control, which was also confirmed by the analysis of individual blood biochemical parameters. The opposite effect was observed for saponins. Taking the above into account, it is shown for the first time that Ilex aquifolium can be a source of compounds that positively influence lipid metabolism.

Iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in organic microparticles from Yerba Mate useful for remediation of textile wastewater through a photo-Fenton treatment: Ilex paraguariensis as a platform of environmental interest - Part 1.

Seven composites of iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in organic microparticles mediated by Cu(II) were synthesized using yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) dry leaf extract as precipitant, capping agent, and dispersant medium, using different Cu/Fe molar ratios. A thorough characterization of the particles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and atomic absorption-spectrometry (AA) indicates that all materials have spheric-like morphology with nanoparticles composed by metal oxide phases embedded into organic microparticles. Interestingly, this organic matter is proposed to play an important role in the solids' photocatalytic activity in a photo-Fenton reaction, in which iron photo-leaching was elucidated, and a mechanism through ligand-to-metal charge transfer processes was proposed. All materials showed catalytic activity in the methyl orange elimination, achieving discolorations up to 96% in 2 h under UV irradiation at 375 nm. An experimental correlation between all samples' UV/Vis spectra and their performances for methyl orange discoloration was observed. This process opens a landscape very interesting for the use of agroindustrial residues for green synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials and their use and understanding of organo-metallic systems participation in Fenton-based processes.

Ursane-type triterpene oligoglycosides with anti-hepatosteatosis and anti-hyperlipidemic activity from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.

The methanol extract from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), popularly known as mate, maté, or yerba maté, inhibits the intracellular triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells and suppresses the plasma triglyceride elevation in olive oil-treated mice. Three new triterpene saponins, termed mateosides I (1), II (2), and III (3), were isolated from the extract along with 29 known compounds. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated based on chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Among the isolates, principal saponin constituents, 2 and matesaponins 1 (7) and 2 (9), potently inhibited the triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells simultaneously treated with oleic acid and high glucose. In vivo assay of the methanol extract of I. paraguariensis revealed that 7 and 9 showed anti-hyperlipidemic activities in olive oil-treated mice. These results suggested that the saponin constituents of I. paraguariensis could be valuable bioactive marker for the anti-obesogenic activity.

Multivariate optimization results in an edible extract from Ilex paraguariensis unexplored residues with a high amount of phenolic compounds.

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. plants are used for the preparation of food and drinks which are widely consumed worldwide. During the harvest season of these plants, 2-5 ton hec-1 of agricultural residue is generated, which remains underutilized. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain an edible extract with high content of bioactive compounds and antimicrobial properties from the agricultural residue of I. paraguariensis for industrial use in food applications. The extraction conditions were optimized through a multivariate experimental design using ethanol:water. The extracted compounds were characterized by HPLC-ESY-QTOF-MS. In the optimal extraction conditions, 55 compounds were extracted, including 8 compounds that were not previously reported in I. paraguariensis. The method proved to be simple, fast, economical and environmentally friendly, with the use of green solvents. This optimization allowed for the extraction of 15.07 g of phenolic compounds per 100 g of residue. The extract showed high antioxidant activity and the capacity to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Results indicate that it is possible to obtain an edible extract with a high content of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, from the I. paraguariensis residue, which has high prospects for the valorization of unexplored natural resources.

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea preparations: Understanding the extraction of volatile and non-volatile compounds upon variations of the traditional consecutive infusions.

Common variations of traditional consecutive infusions of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea were studied. Effects of tea grinding type and water temperature on the extraction of volatile and non-volatile compounds were elucidated. Extraction behavior was determined mainly by grinding type and to a minor extent by water temperature. The extraction behavior along the series of infusions is mostly driven by the way the water can access and flow through the tea mass. This processes are impaired by the formation of clogging layers which are more intense upon the increasing abundance of tea particles of sufficiently small size and high water temperatures.

Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Ilex Leaves Water Extracts.

Plants from the Ilex genus are known for properties such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, can act as antiobesity agents and thus can be helpful in medicine. Some holly species, such as Ilex paraguariensis (widely known in the form of popular beverage: yerba mate), have been investigated, while others have been partially researched or remain unknown. Therefore, we performed qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses and screened antimicrobial properties of lesser-studied species (I. aquifolium L., I. aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' and I. × meserveae 'Blue Angel'). I. paraguariensis was used as a standard species for comparison purposes. Investigations were performed on water extracts due to their expected activity and composition. Antimicrobial research included evaluating minimal inhibitory, bactericidal (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungicidal concentration (Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus niger) of extracts. The influence of the extracts on the production, eradication, and viability of bacterial biofilms was also analysed. It was established that Ilex paraguariensis possesses the richest profile of hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives in terms of component concentration and diversity. Ilex spp., especially I. × meserveae, contain a slightly higher amount of flavonoids and more different flavonoid derivatives than I. paraguariensis. However, the strongest antibacterial activity was shown by I. aquifolium L. and its cultivar 'Argentea Marginata' in terms of minimal inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal concentration, and biofilm assays. Extracts from both species significantly reduced the biofilm viability of S. aureus as well, which may be of use in the production of multicomponent lavaseptics, antiseptics, diuretics (supporting urinary tract infection therapy) and, due to their action on fungi, additives to growth media for specific fungi. The significant content of saponins enables Ilex extracts to be used as natural emulsifiers, for example, in cosmetics. Moreover, relatively high chlorogenic acid and rutin content may suggest use of Ilex spp. to treat obesity, digestive problems, in chemoprevention, and as preservatives in the food industry.

In Vitro Free Radical Scavenging Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ilex paraguariensis (Maté) and the Ability of Its Major Chemical Markers to Inhibit the Production of Proinflammatory Mediators.

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), popularly known as "yerba mate," has great economic and social significance for the population of Southern Latin America. This study was conducted (1) to investigate the phytochemical composition of four different standardized extracts, (2) to investigate its free radical scavenging properties, and (3) to investigate the anti-inflammatory action of I. paraguariensis and its major chemical markers. The chemical profile was achieved by Folin-Ciocalteu, by LC/DAD, and by LC/MS assays, while the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated, respectively, by DPPH assay and by inhibition of nitric oxide (Griess reaction) and TNF-α (ELISA). Our results demonstrated that the IA (aqueous infusion extract) showed higher amounts of total phenolic contents (266.62 ± 10.85 mg CAE·g-1 DE), the highest amounts of all six chemical markers (theobromine, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeine, and rutin), and stronger antioxidant activity (EC50 = 54.4 ± 5.14 µg · mL-1). The IA extract also showed the lowest inhibition of NOx secretion (50.10 ± 8.97%) as well as inhibition of TNF-α (83.33 ± 4.01%). Regarding the chemical markers, all compounds showed strong inhibition of NOx secretion, especially theobromine, which was 200x more potent than dexamethasone. Furthermore, TNF-α secretion was also significantly decreased by THEO at 0.033 µM (22.15 ± 6.49%), NCA at 1.97 µM (27.46 ± 3.98%), CCA at 0.35 µM (39.76 ± 5.73%), CGA at 0.56 µM (23.58 ± 5.79%), CAF at 0.52 µM (26.45 ± 5.34%), and RUT at 0.16 µM (40.18 ± 3.70%). Our results suggest that I. paraguariensis and its major chemical markers have strong free radical scavenging properties as well as showed important anti-inflammatory activity and that these compounds in a plant extract may work based on several different mechanisms synergistically, resulting in moderating the immune system.